The Moth Podcast

Since its launch in 1997, The Moth has presented thousands of true stories, told live and without notes, to standing-room-only crowds worldwide. Moth storytellers stand alone, under a spotlight, with only a microphone and a roomful of strangers. The storyteller and the audience embark on a high-wire act of shared experience which is both terrifying and exhilarating. Since 2008, The Moth podcast has featured many of our favorite stories told live on Moth stages around the country. For information on all of our programs and live events, visit themoth.org.

In this hour, a writer is sent on an assignment to locate poisonous snakes; two child refugees arrive in America; and a hippie kid seeks the approval of his father. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media.
Hosted by: Catherine Burns
Storytellers: Dan Kennedy, Tom Bodett, Dory Bonner...

This week, Dan introduces a new host to the Moth Podcast, long-time Moth family member Dame Wilburn. The two discuss hosting shows for the Moth and present stories from their respective homes of New York and Detroit.
Hosted by: Dan Kennedy, Dame Wilburn
Storytellers: Isabelle Raphael, Michelle Robertson...

In this hour, a flight attendant describes how she adjusts her attitude while up in the air; a Vietnamese family is forced to flee from their home to take refuge in an unknown land; and after running out of gas, a young preacher in 1960s Texas ends up in a pool hall. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media.
Hosted by: Catherine Burns
Storytellers: Faye Lane, Pha Le, Wayne Reece...

In this hour, moxie, grit, and growing up. Stories of the strength, both physical and mental, of young women. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media.
Hosted by: Sarah Austin Jenness
Storytellers: Sandra Kimokoti, Wanjiru Kibera, Gabrielle Shelton, Catherine Smyka, Christal Brown...

A life-changing email arrives from a near stranger; a single man ventures into a gay bar; an adoptee fears rejection by her birth family; and a newlywed’s stomach ache turns life threatening. The *Moth Radio Hour *is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media.
Hosted by: Catherine Burns
Storytellers:...

In this hour, an ancient instrument, a life-changing disaster, and survival in the face of genocide .People who experienced history, and its artifacts, firsthand. Hosted by The Moth's Senior Director, Meg Bowles. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media.
Hosted by: Meg Bowles
Storytellers: Frank Almond, Sivad Johnson, Henny Lewin...

This week, we're rediscovering one of the most memorable Moth stories ever told, “The Best of Times, The Worst of Times,” told by Anthony Griffith, in honor of his new book. We follow up with Anthony in a brand new interview about the day he told this story and his life afterwards. Behind the Laughter, A Comedian’s Tale of Tragedy and Hope is available now wherever you buy your books. This episode is hosted by The Moth’s long time artistic director, Catherine Burns.
Hosted by: Catherine Burns
Storyteller...

In this hour, Molly Ringwald finds herself in the principal’s office with her daughter, a young man navigates life with his single mom, a boy who loves Barbies is terrified at the thought of playing tackle football, and a daughter contemplates how to face her mother’s death with grace.* *The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media.
Hosted by: Catherine Burns
Storytellers: Molly Ringwald, Anthony Griffith, Julian Goldhagen and Kate Tellers
Anthony Griffith’s new bo...

In this hour, ballet "late in life," an unusual pet, drag queens and divorce. Stories to show us a new perspective. Hosted by The Moth's Executive Producer, Sarah Austin Jenness. The *Moth Radio Hour *is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media.
Hosted by: Sarah Austin Jenness
Storytellers: Val Rigodon, Lincoln Bonner, James Braly, Robert Sherer, Brian Belovitch...

This month is Irish Heritage Month, and on this episode, we’re celebrating all things Irish, a culture in which storytelling is tradition and a people who are working to keep it alive today.
Hosted by: Dan Kennedy
Storytellers: Michael Devlin, Claire Nevin & Paul Doran...

A little boy and his grandma attend a pro-wrestling match in 1955; a prisoner is contacted by a girl who says she’s his daughter; a high school principal goes above and beyond with a needy student; a teenager has a life changing experience during an internship at a hospital; and an experienced nurse has to act fast to save a life. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media.
Hosted by: Sarah Austin Jenness.
Storytellers: Richard Price, Merlixse Ventura, Lydia Vel...

In this hour, stories of moments of beauty, awe, and clarity uncovered amidst chaos and the quotidian. Hosted by the Moth's Artistic Director Catherine Burns. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media. The Moth’s third book, Occasional Magic, is now available wherever you buy your books.
Hosted by: Catherine Burns
Storytellers: Chenjerai Kumanyika,Edgar Oliver, Matt McArthur, Sofija Stefonovic...

On this week's episode, we're celebrating the release of the Moth's third book, Occasional Magic. Listen to Ana Del Castillo tell her story of finding her light again after a harrowing family trauma. Find Occasional Magic anywhere you buy your books March 19.
Hosted by: Dan Kennedy
Storyteller: Ana Del Castillo...

A teenager discovers she is pregnant; a waiter fields a strange request; a child breaks the teacher’s rules; and an Imam becomes a chaplain in the New York City Police Department.
Hosted by: Jennifer Hixson
Storytellers: Carly Johnstone, Sam Mullins, Steve Zimmer, Khalid Latif
Originally aired: 11/19/13...

In this hour, stories dealing with all things family: from sibling hi-jinx, to the difficulties of having children (and parents). The Moth Radio Houris produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media.
Storytellers:Kay Elmsley Weeden, Marjace Miles, Bob Baril, Jahvannia Darling, Qing Zhao, Carmen Putnam
Hosted by: Jay Allison...

This week, we’re celebrating Black History Month with special guest host R. Eric Thomas. We have two stories: Emily Richmond wrestles with a grade school survey; and Maxie Jones witnesses a historic night in Harlem, NY. R. Eric Thomas recorded this episode at the Sundance Film Festival with the help of the Sundance TV team in their pop-up podcast studio.
Hosted by: R. Eric Thomas
Storytellers: Emily Richmond, Maxie Jones...

In this hour, stories of mistakes, perseverance, and lessons learned, often the hard way. Alice Schaffer, a preacher's daughter, grows up in fear of the lessons learned in Sunday school. Dawn Ross tries to adjust to life in rural Arkansas. D. Parvaz, a journalist covering the uprising in Syria, is arrested and imprisoned. Leland Melvin suffers a devastating injury that cuts short his dream of flying in space.
Hosted by: Meg Bowles
Storytellers: Alice Shaffer, Dawn Ross, D. Parvaz, Leland Melvin...

In this hour, Motown, hip hop, folk and pop. Stories of the indelible impact of music on both its creators and listeners.
Hosted by: Jenifer Hixson
Storytellers: David Montgomery, Cal Street, Dawn Smith, Jin Au-Yeung...

A romance is threatened by a reality TV show; a speechwriter has a showdown with Bill Clinton; a woman helps her aging father; and a man’s courage is put to the test in his own home.
Hosted by: Meg Bowles
Storytellers: Diana Spechler, Mark Katz, Tamara Jenkins, David Ullendorff
Originally aired: 12-10-2013...

In this hour: stories of the power of sound -- and the newness we find through listening, and trusting our ears. Hosted by The Moth's Executive Producer, Sarah Austin Jenness. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media.
Storytellers: Stanley Alpert, Faith Ekienabor, T Dixon, Anna Schuleit
Hosted by: Sarah Austin Jenness...

On this episode, writer Elizabeth Gilbert shares her struggle in dealing with her partner’s terminal illness and what it taught her about living.
Storyteller: Elizabeth Gilbert
Hosted by: Catherine Burns...

In this hour, stories of heroes, mentors, and our greatest supporters. A Coast Guard rescue swimmer considers his career, a lawyer learns the meaning of justice, and a songstress pens lyrics for her loved one. Rob Simpson takes us behind the scenes of life as a Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer. Sheila Calloway searches for fairness and empathy in the justice system. Beth Nielsen Chapman finds magic in the writing of a song.
Storytellers: Rob Simpson, Sheila Calloway, Beth Nielsen
Hosted by: Meg Bowles
Sponsore...

A special holiday edition of The Moth Radio Hour: Simon Doonan encounters challenges when called on to decorate the White House for Christmas, a man is hesitant to work with a “Hollywood” style church in his neighborhood, a Jewish girl meets Santa, and a boy thinks his dreams have finally come true when he gets an exotic pet. This hour is hosted by The Moth's Artistic Director, Catherine Burns. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media in Woods Hole, Massachusetts....

On this episode: two stories of different strategies to navigate the holiday season. Renata Sancken is nervous about her flight home for the holidays. Kate Tellers introduces her new boyfriend to her Christmas tradition.
Storytellers: Renata Sancken and Kate Tellers
Hosted by: Dan Kennedy
Sponsored by:
www.universalpictures.com/movies/welcome-to-marwen
www.bostonbeer.com/
www.royalcaribbean.com/...

In this hour, we present stories of the brave and the bold. Tales of risks, hard lessons and big changes that leave an indelible mark. Hosted by The Moth's Artistic Director, Catherine Burns. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media.
Storytellers: AJ Jacobs, Aleathia Brown, Kwong Yue Yang, Nisha Coleman, Leonard Lee Smith
Hosted by: Catherine Burns...

On this episode, two stories of unexpected gifts. Tis the season, right? These stories are not exactly TRADITIONAL gifts…Zanele Chisholm learns who she is when others learn her name, and Isabel DeBre’s family gets an unconventional pet.
Storytellers: Zanele Chisholm and Isabel DeBre
Hosted by: Dan Kennedy...

A high schooler encounters racism when he tries to go to prom, a young woman is afraid to tell her grandmother that she is gay, an English woman has to answer a tough question on her US citizenship test, and a doctor must make a life and death decision for his mother. Hosted by The Moth's Producing Director, Sarah Austin Jenness. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media.
Storytellers: Hasan Minhaj, Catherine Smyka, Mel Dockery, Jeremy Orvik
Hosted by: Sarah Aust...

Writer and bon vivant, Simon Doonan, sets out on a mission to fulfill a childhood desire; a secret finally catches up with a suburban housewife and mother; a college drop out finds himself in the unlikeliest of places and a young woman sets out to sabotage the wedding of the man she loves. Hosted by The Moth's Curatorial Producer, Meg Bowles. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media.
Storytellers: Simon Doonan, Marie Walsh, Carlos Kotkin, Jill Donnelly
Hosted by...

2018 is the year Nelson Mandela would have turned 100. This episode is dedicated to the values he fought for: promoting equity, community service, education for all, and to the ongoing fight to end HIV/AIDS. Jamie experiences prejudice from his dental hygienist when she learns he has HIV. Traumatized after learning of her HIV status, Shakirah comes to recognize the support system that had grown around her.
And a word of caution: Shakirah’s story involves mention of physical abuse.
Storytellers: Shakirah N...

In this hour, we present four stories of getting another shot. Tales of tenacity, unexpected fortune, and redemption in moments both great and small. Hosted by The Moth's Executive Producer, Sarah Austin Jenness. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media.
Storytellers: Joshua Blau, Navrioska Mateo, Faith Salie, Sherman “OT” Powell
Sponsored by:
www.mrsfields.com/
www.theglenlivet.com/moth
www.gillette.com/
www.bostonbeer.com/...

A high school student in Nebraska tries to bluff his way through a French assignment, a Voodoo Priestess tries to help the New Orleans Saints get to the Superbowl, and a man starts to believe his psychiatrist is a real flirt. Hosted by The Moth’s Artistic Director, Catherine Burns. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media.
Storytellers: Michael Rips, Ava K. Jones, Andy Christie.
Sponsored by:
www.rocketmortgage.com/Moth
www.squarespace.com/Moth
www.ziprecruite...

In this hour, four stories of determination, hope and battling for both survival and respect. From bootcamp in Fort Bragg to base camp in Kirkuk, Iraq; from the front lines to the home front. Hosted by The Moth's Senior Director, Meg Bowles. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media.
Storytellers: Jill Morgenthaler, Dylan Park, Franny Civitano, and Jerry Neal.
Sponsored by:
www.rocketmortgage.com/Moth
www.squarespace.com/Moth
www.ziprecruiter.com/Moth...

A young mother is obsessed with creating an absolutely perfect life for her children, Moth founder George Dawes Green details a bizarre interruption during a beloved poker game in Georgia, and a little boy’s dreamy childhood comes to a screeching halt on a North Carolina highway. Hosted by The Moth's Artistic Director, Catherine Burns. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media.
Storytellers: Joyce Maynard, George Dawes Green, and Kevin Free.
Sponsored by:
www....

In this episode, two stories of strong and courageous women. Sue Schmidt bangs to a thunderous beat of her own making. Robin Utz comes to face the hardships of pregnancy and love.
And a special note from Robin. She writes:
I would love to give a shoutout to my best friend and husband, Jim, our families, and all of our amazing friends and family that really carried us through this experience - from Internet infertility communities to friends we hadn't spoken to in years that came out of the woodwork to fil...

A gambler with a destructive streak tells himself he can beat the odds one last time, best-selling author Jamaica Kincaid is sent to live with her aunt after the birth of her little brother, and award-winning journalist and documentary filmmaker Sebastian Junger spends years covering war.
Storytellers: Josh Axelrad, Jamaica Kincaid, and Sebastian Junger.
Originally podcasted: 8/18/2015
Sponsored by:
www.rocketmortgage.com/Moth
www.squarespace.com/Moth
www.ziprecruiter.com/Moth...

On this special Halloween edition of The Moth podcast, the metaphysical and scientific from regions beyond take hold with two new stories. Eleanor McLeod witnesses a mysterious creature that goes bump in the middle of the night, and Bryan Kett pledges a sacrifice for the ages.
Storytellers: Eleanor McLeod and Bryan Kett.
Hosted by Dan Kennedy
Sponsored by:
www.rocketmortgage.com/Moth
www.squarespace.com/Moth
www.ziprecruiter.com/Moth...

In this hour, we focus on the uncommon denominators and wildly unexpected situations of life. Hosted by Jenifer Hixson, The Moth’s Senior Director. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media.
Storytellers: Omar Qureshi, Kari Adams, Donna Otter, and Trystan Reese.
Sponsored by:
www.rocketmortgage.com/Moth
www.squarespace.com/Moth
www.ziprecruiter.com/Moth...

In this hour, stories of protections and curses, love and war, and straying from both convention and home. Hosted by George Dawes Green, founder of The Moth. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media.
Storytellers: Edgar Oliver, Sheri Holman, Larry Kerr, and Anoush Froundjian.
Sponsored by:
www.rocketmortgage.com/Moth
www.squarespace.com/Moth
www.ziprecruiter.com/Moth...

In this episode, we take a look into the people and things that flash into our lives, and the indelible mark they leave behind. Hosted by Jenifer Hixson, The Moth’s Senior Director. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media.
Storytellers: R. Eric Thomas, Annie Tan, Morley McBride, and Warren Dahlin.
Sponsored by:
www.rocketmortgage.com/Moth
www.squarespace.com/Moth
www.ziprecruiter.com/Moth...

In this episode from the Moth archives a comic attends her sister’s wedding at Disneyland, two guys try to break the Red Sox' curse, the child of two hoarders digs herself out, and a young man doesn't let his lack of eyesight restrict his mobility. Hosted by The Moth’s Senior Director, Meg Bowles. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media.
Storytellers: Jessi Klein, Joe Limone, Alison Minami, and Ryan Knighton.
Originally podcasted: 10/1/2013
Sponsored by:
...

A special live event from Cooper Union. Andrew Solomon describes his circuitous route to becoming a dad, a cellist makes a disturbing discovery about a neighbor, and astronaut Michael J. Massimino details his high stakes mission to repair the Hubble Space Telescope. Hosted by Jay Allison. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media.
Originally podcasted: 8/6/2013
Storytellers: Andrew Solomon, Marika Hughes, and Mike Massimino
Sponsored by:
www.rocketmortgage.com...

In this second podcast episode featuring stories all about transformative travel, we'll hear from Reza Jalali and Emily Matuzek.
Reza Jalali *returns to an unfamiliar home that's been ravaged by war.
*Emily Matuzek gets ready to leave the nest, but not before she gets a few test runs in first.
Sponsored by:
AFAR Magazine
www.rocketmortgage.com/Moth
www.squarespace.com/Moth
www.ziprecruiter.com/Moth...

Comic Tig Notaro details her complicated relationship with her step-father; a New York City cop on a bust discovers the value of a mug shot; and a teenager rebels after her brother is disowned. Hosted by The Moth’s Executive Producer, Sarah Austin Jenness. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media....

In this special podcast episode, stories all about the transformative qualities of travel. This is the first episode of a two-part series, and this week we'll hear from Emma John and T. Richard Corcoran.
Emma John brings a friend's young daughter on a trip to rekindle the magic of Venice.
T. Richard Corcoran undergoes a test physical and courageous fortitude while cycling to raise funds for AIDS.
Hosted by: Dan Kennedy
Sponsored by:
AFAR Magazine
www.rocketmortgage.com/Moth
www.squarespace.com/Moth
ww...

A young doctor is whisked halfway across the globe to care for an ailing international religious icon, a daughter discovers her father’s painstakingly kept secret, and an oncologist raised in India describes the way death is handled in his native country. Hosted by The Moth’s Artistic Director, Catherine Burns. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media.
Originally podcasted: 1/15/2013
Storytellers: Bliss Broyard, Siddhartha Mukherjee, and George Lombardi.
Sponso...

In this episode, we present four stories all about coming to the precipice of catastrophe. A vicious rumor shakes the foundations of family and home, a potential romance takes a dark turn, and a woman’s heritage dangles over oblivion by a thread. Hosted by Tara Clancy in front of a live audience in Jackson, Wyoming, with additional hosting by Jay Allison. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media.
Storytellers: Cristina Briones, Terrance Flynn, and Nina McConigley...

On today's episode, three stories for you. Eno Inwek turns to the internet in search of a good deal. Caoimhe Creed takes a bold stand for minimum wage. Martin Hughes’ has a Christmas tradition, and standard text message rates apply.
If you would like to hear more stories from The Dublin StorySLAM, featured on this podcast episode, visit their website and subscribe to The Dublin StorySLAM Podcast.
Storytellers: Eno Inwek, Caoimhe Creed, and Martin Hughes.
Hosted by Dan Kennedy.
Sponsored by:
www.rocket...

A woman sets off in search of transformation and ends up in a harem in Bandar Seri Begawan, a teacher discovers her playground has turned into a 3rd grade war zone, singer-songwriter Suzanne Vega debates whether to take the stage at The Glastonbury Music Festival in the face of a death threat, and Damien Echols describes life after spending 18 years on death row for a crime he didn't commit. Hosted by The Moth's Senior Producer, Meg Bowles. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atla...

A young girl's imagination runs amok with very real world consequences, and a high school junior is forced to satisfy a sweet tooth against the doctor's wishes.
Storytellers: Marian Speerless and Anne Wheeler.
Hosted by Dan Kennedy.
Sponsored by:
www.rocketmortgage.com/Moth
www.squarespace.com/Moth
www.ziprecruiter.com/Moth...

Professional gambler Annie Duke details a pivotal poker game at the televised Tournament of Champions, road rage lands a new mom in jail, a young woman is about to give birth just as her grandfather is dying, and a Holocaust survivor describes hiding with cloistered nuns as a little girl during World War 2. Hosted by The Moth’s Executive Producer, Sarah Austin Jenness. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media.
Storytellers: Annie Duke, Stacy Keene, Adam Fawer, an...

In this hour, we're on the move Three stories from the road, rail, and the sky. Hosted by Catherine Burns, The Moth’s Artistic Director. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media.
Storytellers: Belal Mobarak, Ted Conover, and Rosanne Cash.
Sponsored by:
www.rocketmortgage.com/Moth
www.squarespace.com/Moth
www.ziprecruiter.com/Moth...

A special live edition of The Moth at Cooper Union in NYC, "Moth Eaten: Adventures in Food". Best-selling author Adam Gopnik and his wife have an ongoing battle about the proper way to cook meat; celebrity chef David Chang shares his anxiety about receiving, and possibly losing, Michelin Stars; comedian Lisa Lampanelli tells about her hilarious and moving stint at a fitness camp. Hosted by Moth Radio Hour Producer Jay Allison. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Me...